Until you have been there or done that, you can’t fully appreciate it.

Before my parents needed it, I never thought much about the work of caregiving.

After 5 years as a senior adult pastor, I have observed how vital this role is for those who can no longer care for themselves.

A caregiver is someone who has answered a call for help.

As the word implies, they must be both a caring and giving person.

They must have a heart of compassion that can look beyond someone’s faults and see their need.

The recipients of care are not always appreciative or cooperative.

They may be suffering from dementia (or they may be just plain ornery!)

Yet the caregiver will persevere and do what has to be done, no matter how difficult.

My sister and 4 ladies in Orangeburg were the main caregivers for my parents in their twilight years of life.

The blessing for my family was that those 4 ladies treated my parents with as much loving care as my sister.

Their care went beyond just a job, and we are forever grateful.

A caregiver knows that the relationships they build with their charges are temporary.

Yet, the level of trust that exists between the giver and recipient causes an emotional bond.

Caregivers can become a part of the family of the ones they care for.

Because of covid isolation, caregivers in nursing homes have become the surrogate family members providing the only physical contact many elderly can receive.

Sadly, like every profession, there are those whose actions can blemish the vast majority.

Elder abuse cases are out there, but they are certainly not the norm.

So allow me to offer this prayer for those whose job is to care:

“Father, we thank you for those who’ve been called; who believe needs of others come first, above all.

Protect them from harm that would keep them away from the ones whom they care for day after day.

To the ones for whom it’s more than a check, may Your Spirit go forth and hug each one’s neck.

Amen.”

Next: Act your age means eat your age.

Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.